Why are major brick and mortar department stores closing, is it the economy?

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   bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years ago

   Why are major brick and mortar department stores closing, is it the economy?
   
   

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   RJ Schwartzposted 9 years ago

   I wrote a hub on the same topic last year - A Chase for a new Retail Space
   It discusses how the brick and mortar retailer can compete in the changing world we live in.

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Ralph
      Sounds good, maybe the execs at these retailers should read your hub. I am being serious here.
      Thanks

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   pagesvoiceposted 9 years ago

   I don't believe it is the economy causing the closure of department stores. Instead, people are shopping online at lightning speed. Amazon Prime, for instance, offers free 2-day shipping and discounts on much of their merchandise. I probably make 90% of my purchases through Amazon and another 5% through other online sources. Perhaps I buy 5% at brick and mortar stores and even that statement is most likely a stretch.
   
   Shopping online means I don't have to drive, get my car dinged in a parking lot, be exposed to germs from other shoppers or clerks, and I don't have to deal with crowds.
   
   I do make in-store purchases at Lowe's and HomeDepot, but even with them, I have been buying more and more online.

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Do you think that people like to buy online without seeing the products up close and personal. Would you buy a car, or even a major kitchen appliance without seeing and touching it?
      
      Losing these stores does affect local economy

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      pagesvoiceposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I wouldn't buy a car or washer and dryer online. However, I don't need to feel a shirt, slacks, tie, vase, cameras or gifts. Sizes, materials, and complete descriptions are posted and most have a no-hassle return policy. Furthermore, I don't have to

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You must not be married.

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      pagesvoiceposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know what that comment insinuates, but I do all of the gift and grocery shopping in my household, along with all of my own personal shopping. Exactly what is your point? I'm confused.

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      Lipnancyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Dennis, most of my purchases are done online for exactly those reasons,,, convenience. Customer services in brick in mortar stores seem to be at an all time low.

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Many people can't decide merely by looking at a product, especially clothes. Most women that I know, or knew spent hours trying on clothes at the stores.
      I would find it strange that women would change from that preference.
      One size dn fit all. lol

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      pagesvoiceposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      In fairness to your answer, yes, my wife does do all of her own clothes shopping in a brick and mortar store.

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dennis
      Thanks, in any case, I will miss the brick and mortar. Over the years, we, at least in CA have had the malls become our de facto Town. If they disappear, I guess we will have to wait until they create virtual holographic towns, and malls.

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   geekcrunchreviewsposted 9 years ago

   It is the economy. It looks as if America could be on the verge of a recession. The U.S. economy is on such shaky ground that any drop in consumer spending could send the whole country spinning into recession, Joseph LaVorgna the Chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York, told Bloomberg Business.
   
   Until the consumer spend doesn't increase, the retail as a sector will be worst hit.

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